Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

SAN DIEGO – Chad Lee Engel and Scott Michael Petri were charged yesterday in a five-count indictment for: (1) Use of Explosive to Commit a Felony – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(h); (2) and (3) Use of an Explosive to Damage Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(i); (4) Conspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 371; and (5) Conspiracy to Damage Property by Use of an Explosive – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(n).

According to the indictment, Engel and Petri detonated explosive devices at two separate ATMs located in San Diego in an attempt to steal ATM funds.

On July 4, 2017, Engel and Petri detonated a pipe bomb at a California Coast Credit Union branch ATM located on Ruffin Road in San Diego. The ATM was not breached despite the detonation and no funds were taken.

On August 13, 2017, Engel and Petri detonated another explosive device at the ATM machine on the premises of a Chevron gas station on Miramar Road in San Diego.  During this event, Engel and Petri drilled a hole in the ATM, filled the ATM with gas, and ignited a fuse, which caused an explosion and damage to the ATM.  The ATM was breached as a result of the explosion, and Engel and Petri are accused of stealing approximately $7,000 from the ATM.

DEFENDANTS                                            Case Number 17cr3401-JLS                                   

Chad Lee Engel                                              Age: 47                                   San Diego, CA

Scott Michael Petri                                         Age: 46                                   San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Use of Explosive to Commit a Felony – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(h)

Penalty: 10 years mandatory imprisonment in addition to imprisonment of other felony conviction

Use of an Explosive to Damage Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(i)

Penalty: 5 years mandatory imprisonment; maximum up to 20 years

Conspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 371

Penalty: 5 years maximum

Conspiracy to Damage Property by Use of an Explosive – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(n)

Penalty:  10 years maximum

AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Metro Arson Strike Team

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.